JAXA (Japan) Satellite Promises to Pump Worldwide Internet Speeds

A new JAXA satellite, which promises to bring rural subscribers’ connections up to speed, launched last Saturday from Japan’s Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center. The new satellite, named WINDS, promises “super high-speed Internet” throughout the world. It was developed as a joint project between Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The satellite promises residential internet subscribers the ability to use small dishes to connect to the Internet many times faster than speeds current DSL or cable connections. According to the Associated Press the satellite will provide data transmission at rates up to 1.2 Gbps. The service will initially focus on the Asia-Pacific region, covering such high-tech giants as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and likely China. However, if the service catches on, U.S. providers will be certain to want North American coverage as well.